Finding Confidence Through AI
Daniel Osei is 31, living in the West Midlands. As a Black African man registered with Severely Sight Impaired (SSI), he’s always looking for ways to make everyday life a little easier and more independent. Technology has become part of that journey.
When Daniel first bought his Alexa speaker, he wasn’t sure how much difference it would make. But soon, it became part of his routine. He asks Alexa for the time before heading out, sets reminders so he doesn’t miss appointments, checks the weather before leaving the house, and even uses it for spelling and quick research. Sometimes, he just asks Alexa to play YouTube videos — a small joy that makes his day smoother.
Then came Chat GPT. At first, Daniel approached it cautiously, unsure how it could help. But he quickly discovered its value. Application forms, which once felt overwhelming, became manageable. Chat GPT explained what each section was asking for, helped him draft cover letters, and even condensed his writing into clear, compact pieces. With each use, Daniel’s confidence grew. He began to feel more capable, more independent, and more ready to take on opportunities.
Of course, there were challenges. Alexa sometimes struggled to understand Daniel’s accent, leaving him frustrated when simple requests weren’t recognised. Chat GPT occasionally required him to rephrase or repeat questions before he got the answer he needed. But Daniel didn’t give up. He learned to be patient, to keep prompting until the response felt right.
Looking back, Daniel sees these tools not just as gadgets, but as companions in his journey toward independence. Alexa helps with the practical, everyday tasks. Chat GPT supports him in the bigger steps — applications, writing, and building confidence. Together, they’ve opened doors that once felt closed.
Daniel’s advice to others is simple: be patient, don’t give up, and make sure you set things up properly — like downloading the Alexa app to your phone. For him, the investment was worth it. He plans to keep using both tools, because they’ve become part of how he lives, learns, and grows.